Used 1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Lumina Minivan, so we've included reviews for other years of the Lumina Minivan since its last redesign.
Nice van
jazzsegue, 06/07/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We've owned several vans over the years and use them pretty hard in our antiques business. The Lumina is far superior to the Caravan we had (I'd not own one of those again if it was gifted to me - BAD experience). The Lumina is right up there with our old VW Vanagon, but much more stylish and, yes, has power to go up hills and air conditioning! We like this vehicle, have friends who own them and would recommend it as a good mini van option for someone considering purchase. We bought ours as a lease-return with 25K on it and it is now at 80K .. mostly all trouble free.
Excellent Van
Mike loves , 12/07/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This van is an all around great family van!
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan for sale near you
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- Base Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,4991,775 mi away
Best car I ever owned
bill, 03/06/2005
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have owned this mini van since it was new. I am currently considering a new vehicle. I am researching the same car. This car has done everything I have asked of it and then some. It is an extremely versitile vehicle, from hauling 7 people to piles of lumber with seats removed. This car has never left me stranded and the only reason I am considering a new one is mileage.
I got a Timex car
otis, 08/13/2010
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Cargo Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I swear, that car just takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I was sure it wouldn't make it through the winter of 2008-9, but I'm still driving it. Best $400 I ever spent!
satisfied owner
amigo, 09/10/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
other than noisy windshield wipers no negative experiences.
Great van
NT, 03/22/2010
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought in November of 93 as a new 94 model. We had a black over silver two tone appearance and the upscale LS trim package. Had everything including the 3.8 liter engine and a sunroof. But in the summer of 96 on a family vacation we had a terrible head on collision. The police said the design of the van protected our family. So we went out and bought another one. Only this time we bought the fully loaded Oldsmobile silhouette, since we couldn't afford it back in 93. But anyway, these vans are safe, reliable and have served us well over 100,000 miles and 14 years with only very minor issues.
My ' 95 Lumina APV
PR BOYD, 01/15/2009
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this van in '00 with a blown engine and 140,000 miles. I put a new 3800 v-6 in and it now has over 276,000 miles. Front suspension, starter, wheel bearings, AC compressor , cruise control, electric window motors and cracks in the windshield are problem areas.
Great value
Rfelk, 03/23/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My van had 60k when bought in 98'. In the last four years I have put an additional 51k. It still has lots of power and gets 25 miles/gal highway. Just bought 2001 dodge grand caravan. It gets 21 highway and similar power.
Still Going Strong!!!
Buy American!, 04/15/2009
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got this Lumina Van for $1 at the ripe old age of 13 with 194,000 miles on it from a family friend. It needed a Tie Rod End on the left because it had a shimmy and shake I couldn't take. I charged the air, changed the oil, oil filter and air filter. It needs a new headliner but living with it. The automatic ride leveling rear shocks are shot but my mechanic said I can save money and put regular shocks on it for between $200 & $300. Also I had a wizzing sound in the front that sounded like the alternator - I changed that and the belt for about $230 but that didn't solve the problem. Used a hose up to my ear and the other end to the pulleys - its the compressor - mechanic says don't worry.
Chevy needs to revive
WESTERN PA BOY, 04/10/2010
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best Chevy product of the '90's. We had 220,000 miles until it finally died. Wish Chevy would reinstate this.
no cost miles
johnrnel, 07/16/2002
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Lasted forever till getting smashed by a Ford in the side. Over 120,000 mostly repair free miles. Keep up the maintenance and you have no problems
The Car Stinks
draco, 11/11/2005
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well in the one year that I have owned my pre owned van, I have had to rebuild the transmission, fix multiple engine problems, all kinds of brake problems, windshield washer fluid problems. The power windows only work when they want to, and the power sliding door no longer works at all.
Not Worth the Money
Cherry Hallback, 04/11/2007
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just bought the van from a private owner one month ago. All seemed fine until one day it rained and had to use the windshield wipers. It has caused an electrical shortage twice and now the van won't crank. Since I've had the van I have spent $1000 on tires and engine problems. Now the driver door won't open and the passenger window won't let up. I'm going to cut my ties and move on.
Old warhorse
Ralph, 10/11/2007
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is probably one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. I've completely worn the front end out commuting to DC every day and had it rebuilt at 193k. I've been run into four times the last time totaled. I go to the junk yard and put the thing back together with used parts. I just turned 247k without any engine or transmission failures. Waterpump, ac compressor clutch, wheel bearings, cv joints, and many other parts have been replaced. The old girl looks like hell but just keeps running. Fuel mileage is outstanding at 21/26 at 70mph. Not many new minivans do that well. I bought the car with 99k for $3500 in 2000. Since then I've put 148k on her. I figure I've gotten $14800 of use at $.10/mile
Durable Van
Todd, 05/02/2009
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this van in 2001 with only 50000 km on it. I have put another 160000 on it since then. We have used it as a daily commuter, vacationing vehicle and transport vehicle to help friends and family move. It has seen its share of use and abuse. I have been diligent with regular maintenance, and for the first 207000 km I have had no problems with the motor or transmission. Just recently at 208000 km the intake manifold gasket has started to leak. Over the years I have replaced the water pump, fuel pump, wiper motor, interior fan motor, and driver's seat cushion/chasis. Breaks and tires are the only other things that I have had to dump money into, but hey, nothing lasts forever!
Nice Van
Ken, 02/09/2006
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my Chevy for 11 years now. It's a great car. I haul 2 atvs with it with no problem. I have 182,000 miles on it and can still smoke the tires off the line. Best buy I have ever made. Only problem was at 172,000 miles, the transmission went out, but it was cheap to fix. I still have it and it's running strong. Still take it on trips that go about 500 miles. Gets about 20-26 miles to the gallon. Love that I can take out the seats and put stuff in the back. I will drive this to the ground, no doubt about it.
Great Minivan
Excellent!, 09/22/2002
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this minivan 2.5 yaers ago. Very reliable, did 30K miles in 2.5 years without repairs, just regular maintenance. Great minivan if comfort is NOT your first consideration. Great price for an excellent minivan. Extremely happy I bought it and not the foreign makes.
GREAT VANS
MAREX, 12/26/2002
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS IS MY SECOND LUMINA VAN AND WE HAVE LOVED THEM. ON THIS LAST ONE WE HAD TO REBUILD THE ENGINE AT 115,000 BUT IT ONLY COST $1500. WITH GOOD ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND TUNE UPS THESE CARS LAST A LONG TIME. UNFORTUNATLEY THEY DO NOT MAKE THEM ANY MORE AND I HAVE TO MOVE ON TO A NEW VAN.
Great Van
Lumina fanatic, 04/29/2006
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought with all the options. Great performance from 3.8L engine, unlike the 3.1L engine. Gets around 20MPG at home but 25MPG on a trip. Lots of people say the design resulted in to big of a dash, but it provides security, giving it a 5 star crash test rating for the driver, and makes it fun and easy to drive. Was the first to offer a power sliding door, and the door works great! 5 modular seats that come out individualy make up the back. The front has two perfectly contured bucket seats. Has front and rear A/C and heat. The A/C is colder than our new Suburban. Has a wonderful black over silver two tone paint. Has 146,000 trouble free miles. Just take care of it and it will take care of you.
A few repairs/runs forever
John, 12/18/2006
1994 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its had its share of repairs, but isn't at all bad for a car with 224,000 miles on it that still running great! Awesome power and the 3.8 liter motor has a cool little snarl when you get on it. By 30,000 miles these vans all had had the same problems; alternator (finally had to go with the bigger one after four replacements), a/c compressor (sensor leaked and also failed), tires (belts separated). Then it had few repairs for the next 100,000 miles or so. Were thinking of trading it in while its still running well, but might just keep it another year.
Aint so bad...
vincent, 09/25/2003
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this van although I still really need a sports car. It doesn't look bad, will never rust out and get nearly 30 mpg on the highway at 70 mph. (3800 V6). Front windshield wipers were a problem at 60,000 miles stopped intermitantly... replaced the motor and all is fine... this is a very common problem with these vans. I expect to replace the wiper motor agian as I am at 105,000 miles. Cooling system was also trouble... got rid of the "pink stuff" replaced radiator, waterpump and a head gasket at 65,000 and not a problem since. If you have trouble just fix them this is a solid package.
takes a licking keeps on ticking
pak, 04/01/2004
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
had a dealer ask me for this vehicle the other day. 151,689 couple of brake jobs, couple of altenators, couple of blower motors, couple of washer pumps and a wiper motor. in over a hundred thousand miles. I don't want to give it up. here's to another 100,000.
Has to be a Chevy!!
RAllen, 09/06/2005
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my family vehicle. I waited 7 years to have a van and I'm glad I picked this one. Bought it used for a good price and to top it off it's 10 years old and only has 109,000 miles. Everything on it works the way it should. I am very pleased with my decision. It rides great and is ROOMY! I get decent gas mileage for it being 10 yrs old. If you are looking for a used van this is it! And of course it has to be a Chevy..that says it all.
"The Cadillac of Minivans"
Lonnie King, 03/10/2002
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This van has a look that makes it hard for people to tell how old it really is! The back seats are built solid at 33 lbs. each, and pop out of the floor in 3 quick and easy steps. This van is in the movie "Get Shorty". You can see the power sliding door in action (an LS option on John Travolta's van) that is so helpfull when you have your hands full. I strongly agree with the movie pronouncing "This is the Cadillac of minivans!"
Buyer's Beware
keliborne, 12/18/2002
1995 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From the time I bought this vehicle it has been an absolute nightmare. No power what so ever climbing even the smallest of mountains, constantly overheating, and now a blown up transmission. I do love the comfort of the vehicle, but could have bought a brand new vehicle for less after all of the money I have put into. Be careful when buying a used vehicle of this type.
Good reliable car
MALLMANRED, 10/28/2002
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the car used. No major problems with it. Runs good.
Very glad I bought my Lumina 5 years ago
Brad L. McIlvain, 03/28/2003
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5 years ago I saw a 96 Lumina Mini- van.Dark red with the ground effects package. Checked it out and test drove it. I was amazed at the power it had.I think the v6 is 190 hp or so,and it only weighs 3300lbs. It only gets 17mpg around town but I get 25mpg on the highway,with a best of 27.I have driven to Colorado a number of times,with trips to Las Vegas,Phoenix and even a 24 hour drive to Miami and 24 hours back. I drove Phoenix to Albequerque on 1 tank of gas and made it home on 1.That was 1000 miles with one stop! Never had any mech. problems or breakdowns.
short-lived engine
Terri, 02/07/2003
1996 Chevrolet Lumina Minivan 3dr Minivan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved this van, but the temperature gauge started going up, so I brought it to a reputable garage, and they told me there were metal filings and antifreeze in the oil and that it needed a new engine. It only had 117,000 miles on it. Because of the design, which makes access to the engine very difficult, it would cost $3000 to repair.